Ambassador Qirko presented Letters of Credence

Submitted by ambasadauk on Wed, 11/30/2016 - 14:57

On November 22, 2016, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Albania to the Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Qirjako Qirko, presented Letters of Credence to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

In the royal headquarters, Buckingham Palace, where the ceremony of presenting of Letters of Credence was held, the Ambassador Qirko was accompanied by the Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps, Alistair Harrison, and FCO Assistant Permanent Secretary, Sir Simon McDonald.

In a warm and friendly atmosphere Queen Elizabeth II welcomed Ambassador Qirko, as well wished to him success in fulfilling this important task.

In his speech, ambassador Qirko emphasized that he considered a privilege representing the Republic of Albania to the Court of St James. He thanked Queen Elizabeth II for the support and assistance that she and her country have provided to the democratization of Albania, to the country's Euro-Atlantic integration and on the Albanian general issues. Ambassador briefed Her Majesty about the role that the Republic of Albania plays in the region as a factor of peace and stability and on its contribution to the global issues as a member of NATO and other international organizations.

In her speech, Queen Elizabeth II, among others, expressed ". . . I am really impressed with the development of the country and its role in such a short time. "

Following the procedure, at the end of the ceremony Ambassador Qirko introduced to the Queen the staff of the embassy and their respective functions. Looking at the composition of the embassy diplomats, Queen Elizabeth II ascertained that " . . I see that in your diplomatic representation about half of diplomats consists of women and this is a very good thing.” Ambassador Qirko intervened and informed the Queen that actually in the Foreign Service women make up the majority with about 55% of all the staff.